West Yorkshire-based Grinding Services, which operates out of a facility on the outskirts of Castleford, has been providing a ‘one stop shop’ for all surface-finishing and precision-grinding needs for over 35 years. The company covers the full spectrum of grinding machine types, including surface, cylindrical, centreless, internal, universal and rotary — and it can grind most engineering materials.

Bob Traynor, Grinding Services’ managing director, said: “Our flexible production methods allow us to quote for jobs ranging from a one-off prototype component to small batches or very large ones. Turnround time is kept to a minimum, depending on batch size, and ‘rush jobs’ can be catered for by special arrangement.”

Among the company’s comprehensive portfolio of equipment are two Studer S35 cylindrical grinders, one with a retrofitted Siemens CNC system, and a Studer S36 universal grinder. All three have a 350mm swing, can accommodate workpieces up to 1,000mm long, and were supplied by Derby-based GS International — an independent Studer consultancy that is run by Giuseppe Schiavone, a trained Studer service engineer with many years’ experience. The service provided by GS International includes installation, operator training and maintenance on Studer machines exclusively.

Mr Schiavone said: “As well as the option to buy a used machine, we also offer a rental service, which gives customers the chance to test out the benefits of CNC grinding before purchasing. Renting may also solve a temporary increase in production needs, or even tide them over while they are awaiting delivery of a new machine.

“When renting, the customer has the option to buy after three months, by which time they will have seen the reliability and precision the refurbished Studer machines can provide. Two of the used Studer cylindrical grinding machines at Grinding Services are on a rental basis and the third machine was bought outright from us. We are happy to work out flexible arrangements to suit any customer requirements and circumstances.”

He continued: “The Studer S35 is my preferred choice as it is both compact and precise. Around 500 of these machines were manufactured between 1989 and 1995 and we currently have 10 of them available for immediate delivery. Moreover, all these machines are fully serviced and four of them have been retrofitted with new Siemens CNC systems.”

Mr Traynor added: “We first met Mr Schiavone when he helped us with a Studer S145 internal grinder that we brought in from Europe. He did a major repair and complete service on the machine; and after providing a comprehensive installation he then went on to train my operators to use it.

“After the excellent service we received, I had no qualms in purchasing the Studer S36 universal machine, which he also installed and trained us to use. In addition to machines, servicing and training, Mr Schiavone also supplies us with his TurnAround diamond dressers, which he developed in 1999.

“This is a high-precision diamond dressing system that can be easily reset mid-cycle for improved productivity. Mr Schiavone’s expertise and comprehensive back-up service subsequently persuaded me to take the rental option on the two Studer S35 machines, which have proven to be an excellent addition to our portfolio of machines.”